Rehoboth United Reformed Church of Hamilton

Rehoboth United Reformed Church of Hamilton is a Canadian nonprofit religious organization and church located in Hamilton, Ontario. It operates under the business registration number 847204013RR0001 and adheres to the Reformed tradition of Christianity.

History and Background

The church's name, "Rehoboth," is derived from a Hebrew word meaning "a place of flourishing," referencing the well mentioned in Genesis 26:22. This name symbolizes the church's commitment to being a flourishing community under God's provision in the city of Hamilton. "United" reflects the church's desire to unify with like-minded believers to glorify God collectively. "Reformed" points to the church’s theological roots in the 16th Century Reformation, emphasizing a return to the Bible as the ultimate authority in all aspects of life. The term "Church" highlights the belief in a community of "called out ones," those spiritually renewed through Jesus Christ and called to uphold and proclaim biblical truth.

Beliefs and Theology

Rehoboth United Reformed Church adheres to historic Christian creeds and confessions that summarize biblical teachings and affirm salvation through Jesus Christ. The church upholds the following creeds and confessions:

• The Apostles Creed
• The Nicene Creed
• The Athanasian Creed

Alongside these, it subscribes to the "Three Forms of Unity," traditionally embraced by Reformed churches:

• The Heidelberg Catechism
• The Belgic Confession
• The Canons of Dort

This theological foundation underscores the church’s continual emphasis on reforming its life and practice according to Scripture[1].

Mission and Community Life

Rehoboth’s mission is inspired by the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to "do everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus," reflecting a lifestyle of gratitude, worship, and service. The church emphasizes living out the gospel both within the community of believers and in outreach to the broader Hamilton area. It encourages active participation in worship services, community fellowship, and various ministries that serve both members and neighbors.

The church conducts Sunday worship services twice daily, at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., fostering a welcoming environment for worship and spiritual growth[2][3].

Denominational Context

Rehoboth United Reformed Church is part of the United Reformed Churches (URC) in North America, a federation of churches that emerged largely from former members of the Christian Reformed Church who sought a stricter adherence to biblical authority. This theological conservatism arose in response to issues such as the CRC’s positions on women's ordination, theistic evolution, and the status of practicing homosexuals within the church.

Rehoboth's leadership has participated in ongoing dialogues about church unity among Dutch Reformed denominations in Canada, working toward potential federations that uphold Reformed doctrine and practice[4].

Summary

Rehoboth United Reformed Church of Hamilton is a biblically grounded, Reformed Christian church committed to worship, community service, and doctrinal fidelity. Rooted in the heritage of the 16th Century Reformation and the historic creeds and confessions, it serves as a spiritual home for believers in Hamilton dedicated to glorifying God through word and deed.

Note: This article is based on publicly available information from the church’s official website and related sources.